• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Technics SL-1401 needs some love

stoppz

stoppz

Member
Hello folks, I'm dedicating some attention to my Technics SL-1401 to do some maintenance.
The turntable was bought by my dad new in 1978, I started using it at the age of 4 (in 1991)... and it has been in continuous use to this day.



I ask you if you can help me, I have 3 questions:

1) Recently the tonearm has started dropping quite quickly, so from the research I have done I have found the remedy to inject the right silicon oil (300,000 cSt) into the mechanism.
With the SL-1401 I have to use Method A of the Technics Service Bulletin, so I ask if I have to pump the silicon oil down the arm lift screw hole (red arrow), right?



2) The spindle bearing was never oiled since 1978... I know this is not good, even if the turntable platter spins normally. I ordered the SFW0010 Panasonic oil, do you have any advice on how to lubricate and if necessary clean some components?
With the platter removed, if I try to rotate the spindle with my fingers, it rotates nicely but with a slight resistance, with a spongy feeling.



3) I recently fitted a Shure M97xE cartridge (not my favorite sound, bought in 2015), when I fit the head shell into the tonearm there is slight play before tightening the locking nut; if the cartridge isn't tilted slightly to the left (as seen in the picture), I don't hear the two stereo channels at the same volume. I tested it with some mono records and by connecting the phono preamp to the mac sound card.
The head shell needs to be crooked if I want to hear both channels with the same level, so I think my M97xE has some problems.
Do you have any thoughts on this before trashing the cartridge?



Thank you all for your patience,
Marco
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
Hi,

For question (2), inject a little bit of oil inside this bushing, the bushing that wraps the spindle.

upload_2023-1-31_12-56-41.png


For question (3), your needle must be faulty. I've seen some of those N97xE styli being misaligned even when brand new. And today they're stupidly overpriced.

I had the same turntable, very very nice machine, one of Technics' best built ones.
 
@stoppz welcome to AK.

To answer #1, no. The silicone does not go into where the red arrow points but below around the channels (grooves) on the shaft below. That entire shaft should have silicone around it and the channels keep some in place. That is what creates friction so that the mechanism in your picture slides down slowly when released even while supporting the weight of the tonearm.
 
Thank you all, everything is clear regarding question #2!

As for my first question, I was asking where to pump the oil silicon, as the Technics Service Bulletin indicates in the figure that it should be injected into what appears to be the screw hole. I remain doubtful if I will be able to do this surgery without disassembling the arm.

Screenshot 2023-02-01 alle 14.43.34.jpg

For question #3, I don't know if I leave everything as is, or it would be better to replace only the stylus perhaps with a JICO... Hoping I don't end up with the crooked head shell as before!
 
Last edited:
IMG_2981.jpg IMG_2979.jpg



I just oiled the spindle, then installed an Audio Techinca AT-VM95ML, I'm very happy with the sound!
 
Last edited:
I've been dealing with missing damper fluid for a few years as I did not want to deal with taking the whole thing apart, but thanks to this thread (and one on reddit) I have ordered some damping fluid (300000wt) and was able to take off the screw. Thanks to this community my 1401 will be as good as new!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom